Digital video recorder as a content delivery server

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001The present application relates to technologies for digital video recorders, content distribution, fiber networks, and satellite networks, and more particularly, to a system and method for enabling a digital video recorder to serve as a content delivery server.

BACKGROUND

0002In today's society, users are increasingly utilizing network and other service providers to gain access to the Internet, request and access various types of content, access software applications, access software services, and perform a variety of other tasks and functions. As an example, an increasing number of users are subscribing to internet protocol television (IPTV) services provided by service providers in order to access various types of media content, such as, but not limited to, television shows, movies, and programs. Users of such services often take advantage of media processing devices, such as digital video recorders, to record and store various types of media content provided by various content providers. For example, if a particular program of interest is airing at a time that the user cannot view in real-time, the user may set the digital video recorder to record the program of interest so that the user can view the recorded program of interest at another time chosen by the user. Additionally, users are increasingly utilizing mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to access media content, such as through mobile communication networks. Such media content is often delivered to the mobile devices by streaming the media content from content delivery network servers across mobile network backhaul facilities and local cellular networks to the mobile devices.

0003While current digital video recording technologies and content delivery technologies provide a variety of features and functions that enhance users' experiences with media content, there is still room to substantially enhance and improve digital video recording technologies and content delivery technologies. For example, due to increasing media content demands, current technologies often require streaming large media content streams across backhaul facilities and cellular networks to the mobile devices requesting the streams in an inefficient manner. Based on the foregoing, digital video recording technologies and content delivery technologies may be modified so as to provide enhanced quality-of-service for users, improved functionality, and additional options relating to the use of such technologies. Such enhancements and improvements to digital video recording technologies and content delivery technologies may provide for improved customer satisfaction and increased revenue for content and service providers.

SUMMARY

0004Systems and accompanying methods for utilizing content delivery servers positioned at cell sites to deliver content and enabling digital video recorders to serve as content delivery servers are disclosed. In current versions of content delivery networks, when devices request content, a unique stream of the content is provided by one or more content delivery network servers across a backhaul network, then to a cell site, and then out to each individual device requesting the content. While current processes are useful in providing content to various devices, current processes often do not utilize network resources in an efficient manner. In order to increase the efficient use of network resources, the systems and methods disclosed herein may serve to extend content delivery networks and functions to the far edges of a network, such as a wireless network. In order to accomplish the foregoing, the systems and methods may include deploying content delivery servers at cell sites, and deploying digital video recorders, such as long-term-evolution-enabled and/or Wi-Fi-enabled digital video recorders, at a user's premises. The content delivery servers positioned at the cell sites and the digital video recorders may be provided with content packages including, but not limited to, standard definition content, high definition content, 4K content, software updates, mobile version of programming, other content, or any combination thereof. The content delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell sites and the digital video recorders may be received from satellite networks, fiber networks, or other mobile backhauls to position content as close to users as possible.

0005After the content packages are delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell sites and the digital video recorders, a user device may request content included within the content packages. The requested content may be delivered directly to the user device from the content delivery servers at the cell sites and/or the digital video recorders. As a result, the functionality provided by the systems and methods limit the amount of traffic required to traverse a backhaul network and/or core network associated with a service provider. In certain embodiments, if content is cached on the digital video recorders, the digital video recorders may serve files directly to users in their homes as well as to users in neighboring locations that have devices in range of the digital video recorders, such as via a local network. In such a scenario, this would eliminate the need for users to stream the files from the local cell site, and would further reduce traffic traversing over the local mobile network. This, in turn, frees up network resources of the mobile network to provide other types of services to the users.

0006In certain embodiments, new trending content, such as content identified by content providers and/or big data, may be transmitted to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site and then to the digital video recorders via broadcast. This may eliminate and/or reduce the need for transmitting individual data streams to each device, while prepositioning content to deliver the best possible service to customers. By placing content delivery server functionality within a digital video recorder, the systems and methods enable staged content to be streamed to mobile devices and to fixed home devices (e.g. televisions) without the need for streaming traffic across mobile backhaul and/or a cellular network. This allows for a better user experience by providing the best possible quality of playback for content and the fastest possible access to other data files across local network facilities instead of across a congested mobile network.

0007In one embodiment, a system for enabling a digital video recorder to serve as a content delivery server is disclosed. The system may include a memory that stores instructions and a processor that executes the instructions to perform various operations of the system. The system may perform an operation that includes receiving, at a first content delivery server positioned at a cell site, a first content package comprising a plurality of content. In certain embodiments, the first content package may be received from a satellite network and/or a fiber network. The system may then perform an operation that includes delivering, to a digital video recorder serving as a second content delivery server, the first content package comprising the plurality of the content. The digital video recorder may be equipped for wireless communication, such as by incorporating a wireless transceiver into the digital video recorder. The system may perform an operation that includes receiving, from a user device, a request for first content. The system may proceed to perform an operation that includes determining if the first content is included in the first content package. If the first content is determined to be included in the first content package, the system may perform, in response to the request, an operation that includes transmitting the first content from the digital video recorder to the user device via a local wireless network associated with the user device.

0008In another embodiment, a method for enabling a digital video recorder to serve as a content delivery server is disclosed. The method may include utilizing a memory that stores instructions, and a processor that executes the instructions to perform the various functions of the method. The method may include receiving, at a first content delivery server positioned at a cell site, a first content package including a plurality of content. The first content package may be received from a satellite network and/or a fiber network. Additionally, the method may include transmitting the first content package including the plurality of the content to a digital video recorder serving as a second content delivery server. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a request for first content from a user device. Moreover, the method may include determining if the first content is included in the first content package. Finally, the method may include transmitting, in response to the request and if the first content is determined to be included in the first content package, the first content from the digital video recorder to the user device via a local wireless network.

0009According to yet another embodiment, a computer-readable device having instructions for enabling a digital video recorder to serve as a content delivery server is provided. The computer instructions, which when loaded and executed by a processor, may cause the processor to perform operations including: receiving, at a first content delivery server positioned at a cell site, a first content package comprising a plurality of content, wherein the first content package is received from a satellite network; delivering, to a digital video recorder serving as a second content delivery server, the first content package comprising the plurality of the content; receiving, from a user device, a first request for first content; determining if the first content is included in the first content package; and transmitting, in response to the first request and if the first content is determined to be included in the first content package, the first content from the digital video recorder to the user device via a local wireless network.

0010These and other features of the systems and methods for enabling a digital video recorder to serve as a content delivery server are described in the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic diagram of a system for utilizing content delivery servers positioned at a cell site to deliver content according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic diagram of a system for enabling a digital video recorder to serve as a content delivery server according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a flow diagram illustrating a sample method for utilizing content delivery servers positioned at cell sites to deliver content and enabling digital video recorders to serve as content delivery servers is disclosed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a schematic diagram of a machine in the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies or operations of the systems and methods for utilizing content delivery servers positioned at cell sites to deliver content and enabling digital video recorders to serve as content delivery servers are disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0015Systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and accompanying methods for utilizing content delivery servers positioned at cell sites <b>138</b> to deliver content and enabling digital video recorders <b>165</b> to serve as content delivery servers are disclosed. The systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods disclosed herein may serve to extend content delivery networks and functionality to the far edges of a network, such as a wireless network. In order to accomplish the foregoing, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may include deploying content delivery servers (e.g. servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>) at cell sites <b>138</b>, and deploying digital video recorders <b>165</b>, such as long-term-evolution-enabled and/or Wi-Fi-enabled digital video recorders, at a user's premises. The content delivery servers positioned at the cell sites <b>185</b> and the digital video recorders <b>165</b> may be provided with content packages including, but not limited to, standard definition content, high definition content, 4K content, software updates, mobile version of programming, other content, or any combination thereof. The content delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell sites <b>138</b> and the digital video recorders <b>165</b> may be received from satellite networks <b>130</b>, fiber networks <b>133</b>, or other mobile backhauls to position content as close to the users as possible.

0016Once the content packages are delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell sites <b>138</b> and the digital video recorders <b>165</b>, a user device (e.g. first user device <b>102</b>) may request content included within the content packages. The requested content may be delivered directly to the user device from the content delivery servers at the cell sites <b>138</b> and/or the digital video recorders <b>165</b>. As a result, the functionality provided by the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may limit the amount of traffic required to traverse a backhaul network <b>120</b> and/or core network <b>115</b> associated with a service provider. In certain embodiments, if content is cached on the digital video recorders <b>165</b>, the digital video recorders <b>165</b> may serve files directly to users in their homes as well as to users in neighboring locations that have devices in range of the digital video recorders, such as via a local network <b>175</b>. In such a scenario, this would eliminate the need for users to stream the files from the local cell site <b>138</b>, and would further reduce traffic traversing over the local mobile network associated with the cell site <b>138</b>. This, in turn, frees up network resources of the mobile network to provide other types of services to the users.

0017In certain embodiments, new trending content, such as content identified by content providers and/or big data, may be transmitted to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> and then to the digital video recorders <b>165</b> via broadcast. This may eliminate and/or reduce the need for transmitting individual data streams to each device, while prepositioning content to deliver the best possible service to customers. By placing content delivery server functionality within a digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods enable staged content to be streamed to mobile devices and to fixed home devices (e.g. televisions) without the need for streaming traffic across mobile backhaul and/or a cellular network. This allows for a better user experience by providing the best possible quality of playback for content and the fastest possible access to other data files across local network facilities instead of across a congested mobile network.

0018As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a system <b>100</b> that utilizes content delivery servers (e.g. servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>) positioned at a cell site <b>138</b> to deliver content and to provide content delivery services is disclosed. The system <b>100</b> may be configured to support, but is not limited to supporting, IPTV services, digital video recorder services, cloud computing services, content delivery services, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services, satellite services, fiber services, telephone services, voice-over-internet protocol services (VoIP), voice-over-long-term-evolution (VoLTE) services, LTE services, software as a service (SaaS) applications, gaming applications and services, social media applications and services, operations management applications and services, productivity applications and services, mobile applications and services, and any other computing applications and services. The system may include a first user <b>101</b> that may utilize a first user device <b>102</b> to access content, data, and services, or to perform a variety of other functions. As an example, the first user <b>101</b> may utilize first user device <b>102</b> to transmit signals to the system <b>100</b> to request various types of media content, store media content on the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, control the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, control the media device <b>170</b>, or any combination thereof. Media content may include, but is not limited to, audio content, video content, web content, text content, any type of content, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the media content may be static content, dynamic content, or a combination of static and dynamic content.

0019In certain embodiments, the first user <b>101</b> may be a subscriber of a service provider that controls communications network <b>135</b>. The first user device <b>102</b> may include a memory <b>103</b> that includes instructions, and a processor <b>104</b> that executes the instructions from the memory <b>103</b> to perform the various operations that are performed by the first user device <b>102</b>. In certain embodiments, the processor <b>104</b> may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the first user device <b>102</b> may be a computer, a laptop, a set-top-box, a tablet device, a phablet, a server, a mobile device, a smartphone, a smart watch, or any other type of computing device. Illustratively, the first user device <b>102</b> is shown as a smartphone device in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>. In certain embodiments, the first user device <b>102</b> may communicate with the digital video recorder <b>165</b> of system <b>200</b> by utilizing infrared radiation, Bluetooth connectivity, ZigBee, Z-Wave, any type of wireless protocol, radio technologies, or any combination thereof.

0020The system may also include a second user <b>110</b> that may utilize a second user device <b>111</b> to also access content, data, and services, and to perform a variety of other functions. For example, the second user device <b>111</b> may be utilized by the second user <b>110</b> to transmit signals to request various types of content, services, and data provided by content and service providers associated with the communications network <b>135</b> or any other network in the system <b>100</b>. In certain embodiments, the second user <b>110</b> may be a subscriber of a service provider that controls communications network <b>135</b>. The second user device <b>111</b> may include a memory <b>112</b> that includes instructions, and a processor <b>113</b> that executes the instructions from the memory <b>112</b> to perform the various operations that are performed by the second user device <b>111</b>. In certain embodiments, the processor <b>113</b> may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Similar to the first user device <b>102</b>, in certain embodiments, the second user device <b>111</b> may be a computer, a laptop, a tablet device, a phablet, a server, a mobile device, a smartphone, a smart watch, or any other type of computing device. Illustratively, the second user device <b>111</b> is shown as a tablet device in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>. In certain embodiments, the second user device <b>111</b> may communicate with the digital video recorder <b>165</b> by utilizing infrared radiation, Bluetooth connectivity, ZigBee, Z-Wave, any type of wireless protocol, radio technologies, or any combination thereof.

0021In certain embodiments, the first user device <b>102</b> and the second user device <b>111</b> may have any number of software applications and/or application services stored and/or accessible thereon. For example, the first and second user devices <b>102</b>, <b>111</b> may include cloud-based applications, VoIP applications, other types of phone-based applications, product-ordering applications, business applications, e-commerce applications, media streaming applications, content-based applications, media-editing applications, database applications, gaming applications, internet-based applications, browser applications, mobile applications, service-based applications, productivity applications, video applications, music applications, social media applications, any other type of applications, any types of application services, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the software applications and services may include one or more graphical user interfaces so as to enable the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b> to readily interact with the software applications. The software applications and services may also be utilized by the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b> to interact with the any device in the system <b>100</b>, any network in the system <b>100</b>, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the first user device <b>102</b> and the second user device <b>111</b> may include associated telephone numbers, device identities, or any other identifiers to uniquely identify the first and second user devices <b>102</b>, <b>111</b>.

0022In certain embodiments, the first user device <b>102</b> and the second user device <b>111</b> may have corresponding device profiles. In certain embodiments, each of the devices in the system <b>100</b> (or system <b>200</b>) may have its own corresponding device profile. For example, the media device <b>170</b> and the digital video recorder <b>165</b> of system <b>200</b> may have their own device profiles. Information included in a device profile may include, but is not limited to, information specifically corresponding to the first user device <b>102</b> and the second user device <b>111</b>, information identifying the types of devices that the first user device <b>102</b> and the second user device <b>111</b> are, information relating to how the first user <b>101</b> utilizes the first user device <b>102</b>, information relating to how the second user <b>110</b> utilizes the second user device <b>111</b>, information identifying what type of services and information the first user <b>101</b> and second user <b>110</b> are authorized to access, information indicating each type of component included in the first user device <b>102</b>, and the second user device <b>111</b>, information identifying the processing power, storage capacity, download capabilities, upload capabilities, and content delivery services subscriptions associated with the first user device <b>102</b> and the second user device <b>111</b>, any other information associated with the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, or any combination thereof. The device profiles may be made accessible to any device, network, or a combination thereof, in the system <b>100</b> (or the system <b>200</b>).

0023In addition to device profiles, the system <b>100</b> (and system <b>200</b>) may also include user profiles. A user profile may be a profile corresponding to the first user <b>101</b>, the second user <b>110</b>, or any other user. For example, the first user's <b>101</b> profile may include information, such as, but not limited to, a name of the first user <b>101</b>, the age of the first user <b>101</b>, demographic information associated with the first user <b>101</b>, information identifying the first user device <b>102</b> of the first user <b>101</b>, the types of services, such as content delivery services, subscribed to by the first user <b>101</b>, information identifying a location of the first user <b>101</b>, information identifying the type of content the first user <b>101</b> likes, information identifying the types of applications that the first user <b>101</b> utilizes, information identifying media content edited by the first user <b>101</b>, and any other information. The user profiles may be stored directly on the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the database <b>155</b>, on any other device in the system <b>100</b>, or on any combination thereof. Additionally, the user profiles may be accessible by any device in the system <b>100</b> (or system <b>200</b>), any network in the system <b>100</b> (or system <b>200</b>), or a combination thereof.

0024In addition to the including the first and second user devices <b>102</b>, <b>111</b>, the system <b>100</b> may also include a core network <b>115</b>. The core network <b>115</b> may serve as a central backbone network of the system <b>100</b> (and system <b>200</b>) that provides communication services, such as content delivery services and call services, to one or more subscribers, such as, but not limited to the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b>. The core network <b>115</b> may serve as the backbone for the service provider that controls communications network <b>135</b>, backhaul <b>120</b>, satellite network <b>130</b>, fiber network <b>133</b>, any other network, or any combination thereof. The core network <b>115</b> may be communicatively linked with any device and/or network in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and may include any functionality and features of a traditional core/backbone network.

0025The system <b>100</b> may include a backhaul <b>120</b>, which may include the intermediate links between the core network <b>115</b> and other networks in the system <b>100</b> or otherwise. For example, the backhaul <b>120</b> may include intermediate links between core network <b>115</b> and communications network <b>135</b> or any other network of system <b>100</b> or system <b>200</b>. The backhaul <b>120</b> may be utilized to facilitate content delivery services, calling services, accounting services, any type of services, delivery of content, or any combination thereof. The backhaul <b>120</b> may be controlled by the service provider associated with communications network <b>135</b>, core network <b>115</b>, any other network, or any combination thereof, and may include any of the features and functionality of a traditional backhaul <b>120</b>. In traditional content delivery environments, if a user such as first user <b>101</b> requests content using first user device <b>102</b>, a unique stream of the content may traverse across the backhaul <b>120</b> to the cell site <b>138</b> and then to the first user device <b>102</b>. The systems and methods disclosed herein assist in alleviating the burdens on the backhaul <b>120</b> by extending the edge of the content delivery network as close to the users as possible.

0026Additionally, the system <b>100</b> may include a satellite network <b>130</b>, which may include one or more satellites <b>131</b>, to provide content delivery services and/or any other type of services. The satellite network <b>130</b> may include any features of a traditional satellite network and may be communicatively linked with any device and/or network included in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>. The satellites <b>131</b> of the satellite network <b>130</b> may deliver any type of content to communications network <b>135</b>, local network <b>175</b> of system <b>200</b>, any other network, any device in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the system <b>100</b> may include a fiber network <b>133</b> that includes optical fiber to provide content delivery services and/or any other type of services. The fiber network <b>133</b> may include any features of a traditional fiber network and may be communicatively linked with any device and/or network included in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>. The fiber network <b>133</b> may deliver any type of content to communications network <b>135</b>, local network <b>175</b> of system <b>200</b>, any other network, any device in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>, or any combination thereof.

0027The system <b>100</b> may also include a communications network <b>135</b>. The communications network <b>135</b> of the system <b>100</b> may be configured to link each of the devices in the system <b>100</b> to one another. For example, the communications network <b>135</b> may be utilized by the first user device <b>102</b> to connect with other devices within or outside communications network <b>135</b>. Additionally, the communications network <b>135</b> may be configured to transmit, generate, and receive any information and data traversing the system <b>100</b>. In certain embodiments, the communications network <b>135</b> may include any number of servers, databases, or other componentry, and may be controlled by a service provider. In certain embodiments, the communications network <b>135</b> may be subscribed to by the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b>. The communications network <b>135</b> may also include and be connected to a radio access network, a cloud-computing network, an IMS network, a VoIP network, a VoLTE network, an LTE network, a wireless network, an Ethernet network, a fiber network, a satellite network, a broadband network, a cellular network, a private network, a cable network, the Internet, an internet protocol network, a multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network, a content distribution network, an internet protocol television network, any network, or any combination thereof. Illustratively, servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b> are shown as being included within communications network <b>135</b>. In certain embodiments, the communications network <b>135</b> may be part of a single autonomous system that is located in a particular geographic region, or be part of multiple autonomous systems that span several geographic regions.

0028In certain embodiments, the communications network <b>135</b> may be configured to deliver media content and services using an internet protocol suite and by utilizing packet switching. The communications network <b>135</b> may provide the ability to stream media requested by the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b>, provide live television services, provide for media-on-demand, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the communications network <b>135</b> may include any of the components and functionality found in traditional internet protocol television networks. The communications network <b>135</b> may include one or more cell sites <b>138</b> that may be utilized to communicate with the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> of the second system <b>200</b>, any other device, or any combination thereof. Notably, the cell site <b>138</b> may have one or more content delivery servers, such as servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>, integrated directly into the cell site <b>138</b>, positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>, or a combination thereof. By placing the one or more content delivery servers at the cell site <b>138</b>, this may greatly reduce demands on the backhaul <b>120</b> for various types of content, such as static content or largely static content. In certain embodiments, the cell site <b>138</b> may include hardware components that include any of the functional features of a radio access network. The cell site <b>138</b> may be configured for providing LTE services, other cellular services, any type of services, or any combination thereof. The cell site <b>138</b> may include any of the functionality of a base station utilized in mobile communication networks. For example, the cell site <b>138</b> may include any number of antennae, transceivers, digital signal processors, control electronics, GPS receivers, electrical power sources, radio equipment, and electronics equipment to create a cell for the communications network <b>135</b>. The cell site <b>138</b> may be configured to communicate with and receive content streams from the satellite network <b>130</b>, the fiber network <b>133</b>, the backhaul <b>120</b>, the core network <b>115</b>, or any combination thereof.

0029Notably, the functionality of the system <b>100</b> may be supported and executed by using any combination of the servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>, and <b>160</b>. The servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>, and <b>160</b> may be content delivery servers and may include any functionality associated with content delivery servers. Notably, as indicated above, the servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b> may be positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>, integrated into the cell site <b>138</b> itself, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the server <b>140</b> may include a memory <b>141</b> that includes instructions, and a processor <b>142</b> that executes the instructions from the memory <b>141</b> to perform various operations that are performed by the server <b>140</b>. The processor <b>142</b> may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Similarly, the server <b>145</b> may include a memory <b>146</b> that includes instructions, and a processor <b>147</b> that executes the instructions from the memory <b>146</b> to perform the various operations that are performed by the server <b>145</b>. In certain embodiments, the servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>, and <b>160</b> may be network servers, routers, gateways, computers, mobile devices or any other suitable computing device. In certain embodiments, the servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b> may be communicatively linked to the communications network <b>135</b>, any network, any device in the system <b>100</b>, or any combination thereof.

0030The database <b>155</b> of the system <b>100</b> may be utilized to store and relay information that traverses the system <b>100</b>, cache content that traverses the system <b>100</b>, store data about each of the devices in the system <b>100</b> and perform any other typical functions of a database. In certain embodiments, the database <b>155</b> may be connected to or reside within the communications network <b>135</b>, any other network, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the database <b>155</b>, in certain embodiments, may serve as a content source for stored content that may be accessed by the communication network <b>135</b> so that the communication network <b>135</b> may obtain content for the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b> in an efficient and effective manner. In certain embodiments, the database <b>155</b> may serve as a central repository for content and information requested by the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b>. Furthermore, the database <b>155</b> may include a processor and memory or be connected to a processor and memory to perform the various operation associated with the database <b>155</b>.

0031In certain embodiments, the database <b>155</b> may be connected to servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>, <b>160</b>, cell site <b>138</b>, first user device <b>102</b>, second user device <b>111</b>, digital video recorder <b>165</b>, media device <b>170</b>, or any combination thereof. The database <b>155</b> may also store information and metadata obtained from the system <b>100</b>, store media content, store metadata and other information associated with the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b>, store user profiles associated with the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b>, store device profiles associated with the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> of system <b>200</b>, and media device <b>170</b> of system <b>200</b>, store location information, store communications traversing the system <b>100</b>, store user preferences, store information associated with any device or signal in the system <b>100</b>, store information relating to patterns of usage relating to the first and second user devices <b>102</b>, <b>111</b>, store content packages, store static content, store software updates for updating devices in the system <b>100</b>, store data files for Internet of Things devices, store mobile versions of media content, store different resolutions of media content, store service subscription information associated with content delivery services subscribed to by the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b>, store augmented reality content, store virtual reality content, store gaming content, store information utilized for identifying communications network <b>135</b>, local network <b>175</b> of system <b>200</b>, or any combination thereof, store any information traversing the system <b>100</b>, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the database <b>155</b> may be configured to process queries sent to it by any device in the system <b>100</b> (or system <b>200</b>).

0032Operatively, the system <b>100</b> may utilize content delivery servers (e.g. servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>) positioned at a cell site <b>138</b> to deliver content as shown in the following exemplary scenario. In the example scenario, one or more content packages may be delivered to the content delivery servers (e.g. servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>) positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> of the communications network <b>135</b>. The content packages may include any content including but not limited to, video content, visual content, audio content, text content, augmented reality content, virtual reality content, static content, partially static content, partially dynamic content, music content, software content, software updates, firmware updates, gaming content, news content, Internet of Things data files, data files for connected vehicles, any type of software, any type of content, any type of data files, any type of information, or any combination thereof. The content packages may be delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> by the satellite network <b>130</b>, the fiber network <b>133</b>, any other network, or any combination thereof.

0033The first user <b>101</b> may request content, such as a movie, to view on the first user device <b>102</b>. The request may be input via an application executing on the first user device <b>102</b> and a signal including the request may be transmitted to the cell site <b>138</b> that is in communication with the first user device <b>102</b>. The system <b>100</b> may determine if the content requested by the first user <b>101</b> is included in any of the content packages that have been delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>. If the requested content is included in a content package delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>, the system <b>100</b> may cause the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> to transmit the requested content directly to the first user device <b>102</b> for viewing. By directly transmitting the content from the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> to the first user device <b>102</b>, the system <b>100</b> limits the amount of traffic required to traverse the backhaul <b>120</b> and/or the core network <b>115</b>. The backhaul <b>120</b> and/or the core network <b>115</b> resources may be utilized to focus on different tasks, such as, but not limited to, processing calls, processing accounting processes, and/or delivering content that is not cached on the content delivery servers. If the requested content is not included in the content packages stored at the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>, the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> may obtain an additional content package including the requested content from the satellite network <b>130</b> and/or the fiber network <b>133</b>. Once the additional content package is obtained, the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> may transmit the requested content to the first user device <b>102</b>. The second user <b>110</b> may similarly request and receive content in a similar manner as the first user <b>101</b>.

0034As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, a system <b>200</b> for utilizing content delivery servers (e.g. servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>) positioned at a cell site <b>138</b> to deliver content and enabling a digital video recorder <b>165</b> to serve as a content delivery server is disclosed. Notably, the system <b>200</b> may include any and all of the devices, networks, components, and users of system <b>100</b>. Additionally, the system <b>200</b> may include any of the features and functionality provided by system <b>100</b>. In addition to including the devices, componentry, networks, and users of system <b>100</b>, the system <b>200</b> may also include a digital video recorder <b>165</b>, which may be a device that may be configured to record and store media content and information, access media content, perform any of the functionality of a traditional digital video recording device, or any combination thereof. The digital video recorder <b>165</b> may enable the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b> to request media content, pause the playing of media content, rewind media content, fast-forward media content, and/or to perform other similar operations associated with a digital video recorder.

0035In certain embodiments, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> may be included within a set-top box, connected to a set-top box, included within a gateway, connected to a gateway, included within a portable media player, connected to a portable media player, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> and the media device <b>170</b> may be housed together as a single device. The digital video recorder <b>165</b> may be controlled by the first user <b>101</b> by utilizing the first user device <b>102</b> and/or any controls present on the digital video recorder <b>165</b> itself. For example, the first user <b>101</b> may control the digital video recorder <b>165</b> by utilizing any number of input devices on the first user device <b>102</b> and/or digital video recorder <b>165</b>. Similarly, the second user <b>110</b> may control the digital video recorder <b>165</b> by utilizing the second user device <b>111</b> and/or any controls present on the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. For example, the second user <b>110</b> may control the digital video recorder <b>165</b> by utilizing a media application of the second user device <b>111</b> that includes a user interface featuring controls for the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. In certain embodiments, the service provider of the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b> may control the digital video recorder <b>165</b>.

0036The digital video recorder <b>165</b> may include a transceiver <b>167</b> for communicating with the devices in the system <b>100</b> and may include any number of antennae. Additionally, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> may be LTE/Wi-Fi-enabled or otherwise enabled for mobile communications. In certain embodiments, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> may include any necessary software and componentry for communicating with mobile devices, such as, but not limited to, first user device <b>102</b>, second user device <b>111</b>, the cell site <b>138</b>, the servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>, the satellite network <b>130</b>, the fiber network <b>133</b>, or any combination thereof. The digital video recorder <b>165</b> may also include a digital video recorder media storage <b>168</b> that may be configured to store media content and data. Additionally, the digital video recorder media storage <b>165</b> may be configured to store user preferences associated with the media content, information identifying the specific subscriptions that the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b> have purchased, information identifying the types of services that may be provided to the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b>, any other information, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the digital video recorder media storage <b>168</b> may be configured to store instructions that may be executed by a processor <b>169</b> of the digital video recorder <b>165</b> to perform various operations that are performed by the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. The processor <b>169</b> may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The digital video recorder <b>165</b> may also include a recording application, which may be configured to record media content based on one or more inputs received from the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, or a combination thereof.

0037The system <b>200</b> may also include a media device <b>170</b>. The media device <b>170</b> of the system <b>100</b> may be a monitor, a television, a tablet device, a computer, or any other type of device including a display that is capable of displaying media content. In certain embodiments, the media device <b>170</b> may be controlled by utilizing the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, by utilizing controls on the media device <b>170</b> itself, or by utilizing the service provider associated with the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>110</b>. The media device <b>170</b> may be configured to communicate with the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, any other device, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the media device <b>170</b> may include any number of memories configured to store instructions and processors configured to execute the instructions to perform various operations performed by the media device <b>170</b>. The media device <b>170</b> may be configured to display or otherwise output media content provided by the digital video recorder <b>165</b> or by any other device in the system <b>100</b>. In certain embodiments, the media device <b>170</b> may be configured to communicate with any of the devices, networks, and components of the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>.

0038The system <b>200</b> may further include a local network <b>175</b>. The local network may be computer network that may be utilized to interconnect the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the media device <b>170</b>, any of the devices in the system <b>200</b>, or any combination thereof, with one another. In certain embodiments, the local network <b>175</b> may be a Wi-Fi network, an Ethernet network, any type of local network, or any combination thereof. The local network may also be configured to support infrared radiation technologies, Bluetooth connectivity technologies, ZigBee technologies, Z-Wave technologies, any type of wireless protocol, radio technologies, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the first user device <b>102</b> and/or the second user device <b>111</b> may only access the local network <b>175</b> upon entering valid authentication credentials, such as into one or more applications executing on the first user device <b>102</b> and/or second user device <b>111</b>. In certain embodiments, the local network <b>175</b> may include any functionality an features of a traditional local area network. In further embodiments, the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>111</b> may access the local area network <b>175</b> even if they reside in different locations and/or are located in different locations. In further embodiments, the local area network <b>175</b> may be configured to communicate with any network in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>, any device in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>, or any combination thereof.

0039Operatively, the system <b>200</b> may enable a digital video recorder <b>165</b> to serve as a content delivery as shown in the following exemplary scenario. In the example scenario, one or more content packages may be delivered to the content delivery servers (e.g. servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>) positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> of the communications network <b>135</b>. The content packages may include any content including but not limited to, video content, visual content, audio content, text content, augmented reality content, virtual reality content, static content, partially static content, partially dynamic content, music content, software content, software updates, firmware updates, gaming content, news content, Internet of Things data files, data files for connected vehicles, any type of software, any type of content, any type of data files, any type of information, or any combination thereof. The content packages may be delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> from the satellite network <b>130</b>, the fiber network <b>133</b>, any other network, or any combination thereof. Once the content packages are delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>, the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the cell site <b>138</b> itself may transmit one or more of the content packages to the digital video recorder <b>165</b> for storage.

0040The first user <b>101</b> may request content, such as a movie, to view on the first user device <b>102</b>. The request may be input via an application executing on the first user device <b>102</b> and a signal including the request may be transmitted to the digital video recorder <b>165</b> and/or the cell site <b>138</b>. The system <b>100</b> may determine if the content requested by the first user <b>101</b> is included in any of the content packages that have been delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. If the requested content is included in a content package delivered to the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>, but is not in a content package delivered to the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the system <b>100</b> may cause the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> to transmit the requested content directly to the first user device <b>102</b> for viewing. If the requested content is not included in the content packages stored at the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>, the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> may obtain an additional content package including the requested content from the satellite network <b>130</b> and/or the fiber network <b>133</b>. Once the additional content package is obtained, the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> may transmit the requested content to the first user device <b>102</b>.

0041If, however, the system <b>100</b> determines that the requested content is included in a content package that was previously delivered to the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> may directly transmit and/or stream the requested content (e.g. movie) to the first user device <b>102</b> for viewing, such as via local network <b>175</b> and/or transceiver <b>167</b>. In certain embodiments, the second user <b>110</b> using second user device <b>111</b> may be located in a different location from the first user <b>101</b>, but may also want to watch the same movie. If the requested content is not available on a digital video recorder belonging to the second user <b>101</b>, the second user <b>101</b> may obtain the content from the digital video recorder <b>165</b> belonging to the first user. In order to do so, the second user device <b>111</b> of the second user <b>101</b> may connect with the local network <b>175</b> and receive the content directly from the digital video recorder <b>165</b> via the local network <b>175</b>. In certain embodiments, the second user device <b>111</b> may directly connect with the digital video recorder <b>165</b> and receive the requested content via the transceiver <b>167</b>. In certain embodiments, the requested content may be transmitted from the digital video recorder <b>165</b> of the first user <b>101</b> to the digital video recorder of the second user <b>110</b>, and then the content may be transmitted from the digital video recorder of the second user <b>110</b> to the second user device <b>111</b> for viewing. In certain embodiments, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> of the first user <b>101</b> and the digital video recorder of the second user <b>110</b> may be communicatively linked to create a content delivery network that may be utilized to share content with other neighbors that are in range of the first and second users <b>101</b>, <b>111</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> of the first user <b>101</b>, the digital video recorder of the second user <b>110</b>, or any combination thereof. By allowing content to be delivered from the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the system <b>200</b> may assist in eliminating the need for streaming content from the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>. This would further reduce traffic over the communications network <b>135</b>, which frees up the communications network <b>135</b> to provide other services.

0042Notably, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> may perform any of the operative functions disclosed herein by utilizing the processing capabilities of server <b>160</b>, the storage capacity of the database <b>155</b>, or any other component of the system <b>100</b> to perform the operative functions disclosed herein. The server <b>160</b> may include one or more processors <b>162</b> that may be configured to process any of the various functions of the system <b>100</b>. The processors <b>162</b> may be software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, the server <b>160</b> may also include a memory <b>161</b>, which stores instructions that the processors <b>162</b> may execute to perform various operations of the system <b>100</b>. For example, the server <b>160</b> may assist in processing loads handled by the various devices in the system <b>100</b>, such as, but not limited to, receiving, at a content delivery server positioned at a cell site, a content package including a plurality of content; delivering, to a digital video recorder serving as a second content delivery server, the content package including the plurality of content; receiving a request for content from a user device; determining if the requested content is in the content package; determining if the digital video recorder is in range of the user device and/or a local network associated with the user device; delivering the requested content to the user device via the first content delivery server and/or the digital video recorder; and performing any other suitable operations conducted in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> or otherwise. In one embodiment, multiple servers <b>160</b> may be utilized to process the functions of the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>. The server <b>160</b> and other devices in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>, may utilize the database <b>155</b> for storing data about the devices in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> or any other information that is associated with the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>. In one embodiment, multiple databases <b>155</b> may be utilized to store data in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>.

0043Although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref> illustrate specific example configurations of the various components of the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> may include any configuration of the components, which may include using a greater or lesser number of the components. For example, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> are illustratively shown as including a first user device <b>102</b>, a second user device <b>111</b>, a communications network <b>135</b>, a cell site <b>138</b>, a server <b>140</b>, a server <b>145</b>, a server <b>160</b>, a database <b>155</b>, a digital video recorder <b>165</b>, a media device <b>170</b>, and a local network <b>175</b>. However, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> may include multiple first user devices <b>102</b>, multiple second user devices <b>111</b>, multiple communications networks <b>135</b>, multiple servers <b>140</b>, multiple servers <b>145</b>, multiple servers <b>160</b>, multiple databases <b>155</b>, multiple digital video recorders <b>165</b>, multiple media devices <b>170</b>, multiple local networks <b>175</b>, or any number of any of the other components in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, substantial portions of the functionality and operations of the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> may be performed by other networks and systems that may be connected to systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>.

0044As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, an exemplary method <b>300</b> for utilizing content delivery servers positioned at cell sites to deliver content and enabling digital video recorders to serve as content delivery servers is schematically illustrated, and may include, at step <b>302</b>, receiving, at a first content delivery server (e.g. server <b>140</b> and/or server <b>145</b>) positioned at a cell site <b>138</b>, a first content package including a plurality of content. The first content delivery server may be positioned in proximity to the cell site <b>138</b>, integrated into the cell site <b>138</b>, or any combination thereof. The first content package may be received from a satellite network <b>130</b>, a fiber network <b>133</b>, another network, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving of the first content package may be performed by utilizing the cell site <b>138</b>, the server <b>140</b>, the server <b>145</b>, the server <b>160</b>, the communications network <b>135</b>, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other appropriate program, network, system, or device. At step <b>304</b>, the method <b>300</b> may include delivering, to a digital video recorder <b>165</b> serving as a second content delivery server, the first content package including the plurality of content. The digital video recorder <b>165</b> may include a transceiver <b>167</b> for communicating with the devices in the system <b>100</b>, and may be LTE/Wi-Fi-enabled or otherwise enabled for mobile communication. In certain embodiments, the delivering may be performed by utilizing the cell site <b>138</b>, the server <b>140</b>, the server <b>145</b>, the server <b>160</b>, the communications network <b>135</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other appropriate program, network, system, or device.

0045At step <b>306</b>, the method <b>300</b> may include receiving, from a user device, a request for first content. For example, the first user <b>101</b> may request the first content by utilizing an application executing on the first user device <b>102</b>. The first content may be any type of content, such as, but not limited to, media content including video content, audio content, text content, any content, or any combination thereof. In this example, the first user <b>101</b> may be requesting a movie. In certain embodiments, the request may be transmitted and/or received by utilizing the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the cell site <b>138</b>, the server <b>140</b>, the server <b>145</b>, the server <b>160</b>, the communications network <b>135</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other appropriate program, network, system, or device. At step <b>308</b>, the method <b>300</b> may include determining if the requested first content is included in the first content package. In certain embodiments, the determining may be performed by utilizing the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the server <b>140</b>, the server <b>145</b>, the server <b>160</b>, the communications network <b>135</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other appropriate program, network, system, or device.

0046If the requested first content is determined to be included in the first content package, the method <b>300</b> may include, at step <b>310</b>, determining if the digital video recorder <b>165</b> is in range of the user device and/or a network (e.g. local network <b>175</b> or other network) associated with the user device. Being in range of the user device and/or the network associated with the user device may mean, but is not limited to meaning, that the digital video recorder <b>165</b> is at a location that would enable the digital video recorder <b>165</b> to communicatively link with the user device and/or the network associated with the user device. In certain embodiments, the determining may be performed by utilizing the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the server <b>140</b>, the server <b>145</b>, the server <b>160</b>, the communications network <b>135</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other appropriate program, network, system, or device. If the digital video recorder <b>165</b> is not in range of the user device and/or the network associated with the user device so as to communicatively link with the user device and/or network, the method <b>300</b> may include, at step <b>312</b>, delivering, to the user device, the first content included within the first content package from the first content delivery server positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>. In certain embodiments, the delivery of the first content to the user device may be performed by utilizing the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the server <b>140</b>, the server <b>145</b>, the cell site <b>138</b>, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other appropriate program, network, system, or device.

0047If, however, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> is in range of the user device and/or the network associated with the user device, the method <b>300</b> may include, at step <b>314</b>, delivering, via the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the first content to the user device. The first content may be delivered to the user device via a wireless or other network that the digital video recorder <b>165</b> and the user device are communicatively linked to. For example, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> may deliver the movie file to the first user device <b>102</b> via the local network <b>175</b>. In certain embodiments, the first content may be delivered by utilizing the transceiver <b>167</b>. In certain embodiments, the delivering may be performed by utilizing the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other appropriate program, network, system, or device.

0048If, at step <b>308</b>, the requested first content is determined to not be included in the first content package, the method <b>300</b> may include, at step <b>316</b>, obtaining, by utilizing the first content delivery server of the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, a second content package that includes the first content requested by the user. The content delivery server of the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the digital video recorder <b>165</b> may obtain the second content package from the satellite network <b>130</b>, the fiber network <b>133</b>, any other network, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the obtaining of the second content package may be performed by utilizing the cell site <b>138</b>, the server <b>140</b>, the server <b>145</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other appropriate program, network, system, or device. Once the second content package is obtained, the method <b>300</b> may include, at step <b>318</b>, delivering the first content from the second content package to the user device via the first content delivery server of the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. In certain embodiments, the first content from the second content package may be delivered by utilizing the cell site <b>138</b>, the server <b>140</b>, the server <b>145</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, any combination thereof, or by utilizing any other appropriate program, network, system, or device. Notably, the method <b>300</b> may incorporate any of the functionality and features as described for the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> or as otherwise described herein.

0049Notably, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods disclosed herein may include additional functionality and features. For example, in certain embodiments, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may include enabling local broadcasters of content to deliver live content or other media content over an LTE broadcast (or other type of broadcast) using the cell site <b>138</b> and content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>. The cell site <b>138</b> and/or content delivery servers (e.g. servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>) may provide the content to any number of devices via LTE broadcast, such as but not limited to, first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, any other device, or any combination thereof. Such a capability may be particularly helpful during weather events (e.g. storms, snow, wind, etc.) and/or network outages that may interfere with satellite communications or other network technologies that may be typically utilized to deliver content.

0050In certain embodiments, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may enable previously set up recordings to be downloaded to the digital video recorder <b>165</b> during non-peak hours or viewed from nearby LTE-enabled digital video recorders <b>165</b> or local content delivery network servers (e.g. servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>). For example, if inclement weather and/or network outages cause a previously set up recording for a media content file to be missed (e.g. not downloaded, downloadable, or otherwise made available), the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may cause the cell site <b>138</b> and/or servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b> to deliver the missed content at a later time directly to the user's digital video recorder <b>165</b>. As another option, another user's LTE-enabled digital video recorder may also be utilized to transmit the content to the user's digital video recorder <b>165</b> so that the user may access the content. For example, the other user's LTE-enabled digital video recorder may directly send the content to the user's LTE-enabled digital video recorder <b>165</b>. Once the content is downloaded to the user's digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the content may be shared with any number of additional devices of the user (e.g. first user device <b>102</b>, second user device <b>111</b>, etc.), such as via local network <b>175</b>. This will allow for a high-quality video experience across various mobile devices associated with the user.

0051The functionality and features provided by the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may enable enterprise customers, such as, but not limited to, content providers of various types of content, to deliver the highest quality video content to mobile customers. Additionally, the functionality and features provided by the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may enable backhaul <b>120</b> and other networks (e.g. core network <b>115</b>) to be utilized primarily for connecting and establishing calls, conducting accounting processes, and delivering content (e.g. purely dynamic content) that may not be cached or provided by the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. As a result, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods allow for greatly reduced demands on the backhaul <b>120</b> and core network <b>115</b> for often used static content that may instead be provided utilizing the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. In addition to reducing demands on the backhaul <b>120</b> and core network <b>115</b>, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may also be utilized to reduce demands on radio networks, such as communications network <b>135</b>, which includes the cell site <b>138</b> and servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>. For example, popular and/or trending content may be pre-loaded on the LTE-enabled digital video recorder <b>165</b> so that when the first user <b>101</b> requests such content on the first user device <b>102</b>, the content may be directly streamed from the LTE-enabled digital video recorder <b>165</b> to the first user device <b>102</b> without having to utilize the resources of the communications network <b>135</b>, the backhaul <b>120</b>, and/or the core network <b>115</b>.

0052In further embodiments, a digital video recorder <b>165</b> of the first user <b>101</b> may store and cache content. The second user <b>110</b> may request content that is stored and cached on the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, such as by transmitting a request via an application executing on the second user device <b>111</b>. The second user <b>110</b> may be located in a different location than the first user <b>101</b> and the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. In response to the request for the content, the digital video recorder <b>165</b> of the first user <b>101</b> may transmit the content directly to the second user device <b>111</b>. The content may be transmitted from the digital video recorder <b>165</b> to the second user device <b>111</b> by utilizing the transceiver <b>167</b> and/or the local network <b>175</b>, which the second user device <b>111</b> may be capable of communicatively linking with. If the second user device <b>111</b> is not in communication range of the local network <b>175</b> and/or the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the requested content may be provided to the second user device <b>111</b> via broadcast from the content delivery servers positioned at the cell site <b>138</b>.

0053In further embodiments, virtualized content delivery network software may be installed on the servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b> and the digital video recorder <b>165</b> to provide content delivery network capabilities. In certain embodiments, plug-ins utilized for gateways may be loaded onto the digital video recorders <b>165</b> to facilitate the functionality provided by the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>, and methods. In still further embodiments, any number of digital video recorders <b>165</b> may be combined to form a content delivery network so as to distribute content to requesting devices. For example, a group of digital video recorders <b>165</b> may serve as a content delivery network to provide over-the-top (OTT) content to any number of requesting devices for a given location, such as, but not limited to, a neighborhood. The OTT content may be provided with little or no backhaul limitations and/or by negating the need to access the content via a mobile network. This would allow for the delivery of content to users even in congested areas and to users who would be limited in quality of service due to possible throttling of their connections/services. The systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>, and methods may also include providing any type of content via the cell site <b>138</b> and the digital video recorders <b>165</b>. For example, such content may include, but is not limited to, augmented reality content, virtual reality content, static content, partially static content, partially dynamic content, music content, software content, software updates, firmware updates, gaming content, movie content, video content, news content, Internet of Things data files, data files for connected vehicles, any type of software, any type of content, any type of data files, any type of information, or any combination thereof.

0054In still further embodiments, the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may include transmitting content packages from the content delivery servers of the cell site <b>138</b> to the digital video recorder <b>165</b> or transmitting the content packages directly from the satellite network <b>130</b> and/or fiber network <b>133</b> to the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. In certain embodiments, the primary way to feed the digital video recorders <b>165</b> with content may be via the satellite network <b>130</b>, since doing so will allow for the direct delivery of the content to the digital video recorders <b>165</b> without impacting cellular network bandwidth. In certain embodiments, since the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> may initially receive the content from the same satellite <b>131</b> of the satellite network <b>130</b> there may be no need for the content delivery servers at the cell site <b>138</b> to retransmit the content to the digital video recorders <b>165</b>. Updates and new content that are not part of the initial packet (e.g. content package) delivered via the satellite network <b>130</b> may be broadcast from the cell site <b>138</b> content delivery servers to the digital video recorder <b>165</b> in certain embodiments. As an example, the digital video recorders <b>165</b> may receive the same satellite content package that is prepackaged for delivery to the content delivery servers at the cell site <b>138</b>, but trending social media content, which was not even in existence when that prepackaged content package was created, may be transmitted via cellular backhaul <b>120</b> to all cellular network content delivery servers (e.g. servers <b>140</b>, <b>145</b>), which would then broadcast that content to all digital video recorders <b>165</b> in range. This may allow customers to view the new content to see it with the best possible feed quality, while reducing the number of times the same content needs to be transmitted across the cellular backhaul network <b>120</b> to a single broadcast and from each cell site <b>138</b> to the digital video recorders <b>165</b> to a single broadcast.

0055The systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods may serve to provide the highest levels of video and data service to various types of devices, such as, but not limited to, first user device <b>102</b> and second user device <b>111</b>. The functionality provided by the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods allow for the local delivery of content designed to reduce various issues caused by capacity constraints on the backhaul <b>120</b> and/or core network <b>115</b> that impact the quality of traditional mobile experiences. Additionally, the functionality provided by the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> and methods provide a more efficient means to store and distribute software updates, services, content, or a combination thereof. For example, the first user device <b>102</b> may request a software update for updating software on the first user device <b>102</b> from the digital video recorder <b>165</b>. Furthermore, the content delivery servers at the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the digital video recorders <b>165</b> may serve as data aggregation servers for Internet of Things devices within the range of the digital video recorders <b>165</b> and/or content delivery servers at the cell site <b>138</b>. In still further embodiments, the content delivery servers at the cell site <b>138</b> and/or the digital video recorders <b>165</b> may be utilized to communicatively link with and deliver content to connected vehicles, such as drones, unmanned connected mobile objects, unmanned automobiles, or any combination thereof.

0056Referring now also to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, at least a portion of the methodologies and techniques described with respect to the exemplary embodiments of the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> can incorporate a machine, such as, but not limited to, computer system <b>400</b>, or other computing device within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies or functions discussed above. The machine may be configured to facilitate various operations conducted by the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>. For example, the machine may be configured to, but is not limited to, assist the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b> by providing processing power to assist with processing loads experienced in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>, by providing storage capacity for storing instructions or data traversing the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>, or by assisting with any other operations conducted by or within the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>.

0057In some embodiments, the machine may operate as a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using communications network <b>135</b>, local network <b>175</b>, another network, or a combination thereof) to and assist with operations performed by other machines and systems, such as, but not limited to, the first user device <b>102</b>, the second user device <b>111</b>, the cell site <b>138</b>, the server <b>140</b>, the server <b>145</b>, the database <b>155</b>, the server <b>160</b>, the digital video recorder <b>165</b>, the media device <b>170</b>, or any combination thereof. The machine may be connected with any component in the systems <b>100</b>, <b>200</b>. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

0058The computer system <b>400</b> may include a processor <b>402</b> (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory <b>404</b> and a static memory <b>406</b>, which communicate with each other via a bus <b>408</b>. The computer system <b>400</b> may further include a video display unit <b>410</b>, which may be, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). The computer system <b>400</b> may include an input device <b>412</b>, such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device <b>414</b>, such as, but not limited to, a mouse, a disk drive unit <b>416</b>, a signal generation device <b>418</b>, such as, but not limited to, a speaker or remote control, and a network interface device <b>420</b>.

0059The disk drive unit <b>416</b> may include a machine-readable medium <b>422</b> on which is stored one or more sets of instructions <b>424</b>, such as, but not limited to, software embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions <b>424</b> may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory <b>404</b>, the static memory <b>406</b>, or within the processor <b>402</b>, or a combination thereof, during execution thereof by the computer system <b>400</b>. The main memory <b>404</b> and the processor <b>402</b> also may constitute machine-readable media.

0060Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

0061In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs running on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementations can include, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

0062The present disclosure contemplates a machine-readable medium <b>422</b> containing instructions <b>424</b> so that a device connected to the communications network <b>135</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, another network, or a combination thereof, can send or receive voice, video or data, and to communicate over the communications network <b>135</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, another network, or a combination thereof, using the instructions. The instructions <b>424</b> may further be transmitted or received over the communications network <b>135</b>, the local network <b>175</b>, another network, or a combination thereof, via the network interface device <b>420</b>.

0063While the machine-readable medium <b>422</b> is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that causes the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

0064The terms “machine-readable medium,” “machine-readable device, or “computer-readable device” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: memory devices, solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape; or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. The “machine-readable medium,” “machine-readable device,” or “computer-readable device” may be non-transitory, and, in certain embodiments, may not include a wave or signal per se. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a machine-readable medium or a distribution medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored.

0065The illustrations of arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

0066Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims.

0067The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention. Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims described below.